The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for publicly commenting on the legitimacy of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner before an inquiry has taken place.
In their statement, the FLP asserted that Malimali’s appointment was unlawful, as she was under investigation by FICAC at the time of her hiring. They argued that the Judicial Services Commission made an error in appointing her without prior clearance from FICAC.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry expressed that it is misleading to claim that the appointment adhered to legal standards. He pointed out various issues surrounding Malimali’s selection, the motives behind it, and the resignation of Francis Puleiwai as the Deputy Commissioner.
Chaudhry suggested that the timing of Malimali’s appointment seemed to attempt to interfere with the workings of an independent authority and to obstruct the imminent arrest of Professor Biman Prasad on several charges related to the submission of false financial information to the Registrar of Political Parties.
The former Prime Minister also expressed concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s statement about discussing the terms of reference and appointment for the inquiry in Cabinet next Tuesday. Chaudhry highlighted that several Cabinet Ministers were under investigation by FICAC due to complaints from the Registrar of Political Parties, raising significant questions about conflicts of interest.
He questioned whether these ministers should have the authority to define the inquiry’s terms and influence who would be appointed to it.
The FLP noted that the Prime Minister has offered assurances of Puleiwai’s return if she comes back to Fiji to participate in the inquiry. However, Chaudhry emphasized that the Prime Minister’s ability to provide such assurances is contingent upon the support of his ministers and other relevant government entities involved in the inquiry.